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Middle East Peace Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Questions (20)

Seán Crowe

Question:

20. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he and his officials have taken to prevent the proposed annexation of territory in the Palestinian West Bank on 1 July 2020; the contact he has had with his Israeli counterpart and authorities, the American administration that is backing this move and his European colleagues in this regard; and his views on whether further annexation of Palestinian lands will irreparably damage a chance at a peaceful two-state solution. [13616/20]

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Written answers

I have been forthright on my views about Israeli Government statements regarding the possible annexation of territory in the West Bank.  The unilateral annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy, and would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland, or by the international community more generally. 

Ireland will not give up on the Two State solution as long as that is the objective of the parties themselves, but annexation would without doubt threaten that prospect, and seriously undermine efforts to find a negotiated solution that respects the legitimate positions of both parties. 

As I stated publicly on 23 April: "I think it important, as a friend and partner of Israel, to be very clear about the gravity of any such step. Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law, including the UN Charter, whenever and wherever it occurs, in Europe’s neighbourhood or globally. This is a fundamental principle in the relations of States and the rule of law in the modern world. No one State can set it aside at will." 

I have in the past made my views on this clear to Israeli leaders, including during my most recent visit to Israel in December 2019, and my officials continue to convey our views to the Israeli authorities. I have also raised this issue in discussions with US representatives, and underlined my serious concerns about possible annexation.

I, and senior officials in my Department, have also highlighted the issue with a large number of EU Member States, to encourage a clear and united position. When this was discussed at the 15 May video conference meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, there was broad agreement that the EU and its Member States should convey these concerns directly to the new Israeli Government. That outreach is ongoing. I welcome the very clear statements that have been made on this matter by EU High Representative / Vice President Josep Borrell, who has said that any annexation could not pass unchallenged. Annexation would inevitably have negative consequences for the EU-Israel relationship.

Ireland has also taken opportunities to raise this issue at the UN, including in Ireland’s statements to the UN Security Council on 23 April 2020, and the Human Rights Council on 15 June 2020. Ireland will continue to prioritise the Middle East Peace Process as we prepare to take up our seat on the UN Security Council in January 2021.

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